Project news

• Stream work is complete along US 101 at Fisher and Harlow Creeks, bringing back two-way travel to both sites. Due to the topographical challenges and complex design warranted at Steamboat Creek, construction is expected to wrap up late fall of 2021.
• Travelers will continue to encounter reduced speed limits and a temporary traffic signal at each site as work continues around-the-clock through project completion. 
• Sign up for Jefferson County highway maintenance and construction email alerts. 

Needs & benefits

Why is WSDOT replacing the culverts under US 101 at Steamboat Creek, Harlow Creek and Fisher Creek between Queets and Kalaloch?

All three culverts along this 15-mile stretch of highway in Jefferson County have been identified as barriers to fish and in need of correction. Crews will remove undersized culverts that carry salmon along Steamboat Creek, Harlow Creek and Fisher Creeks under US 101, and replace them with bridges.

This work is part of WSDOT’s Fish Passage Barrier Removal Program, which identifies and removes barriers to fish caused by culverts under state highways. WSDOT works in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify culverts that, once replaced, will increase fish habitat.

During construction, travelers will use a one-lane detour at each site that will be controlled by a temporary signal. Travelers should expect minor delays, reduced speed limits and occasional roadway closures. Any roadway closures will be announced in advance.

The End Result

The new culverts are expected to open nearly nine miles of potential fish habitat. This fish passage project will help restore the streambeds to a more natural state and improve fish passage for local migratory fish.

• Steamboat Creek will be replaced with a 208-foot pre-stressed girder bridge.
• Harlow Creek will be replaced with a 133-foot pre-stressed girder bridge.
• Fisher Creek will be replaced with a 70-foot pre-stressed girder bridge.

Timeline

• Jan. 2019: Project advertised for competitive bidding.
• April 25, 2019: Contract awarded to Quigg Bros., Inc.
• July 2019: Construction begins.
• Fall 2020: Fisher Creek opens to two-way traffic.
• Spring 2021: Harlow Creek opens to two-way traffic.
• Fall 2021: Steamboat Creek opens to two-way traffic.
• Fall 2021: Contract closes; most work complete at all three sites.

Funding